A lot has changed for the Colts since they opened the season against the Texans
The Indianapolis Colts are ending the season against the first team they played: the Houston Texans. However, a lot has changed for Indy.
The Indianapolis Colts started the 2022 season against the Houston Texans. That’s also how Indy will be ending the season, as the Colts host the Texans in Week 18 for the final week of the regular season. However, the opponent is probably the only similarity between the Week 1 Indianapolis team and the team that will be on the field in Week 18. In between these two games, so much has changed for the Colts.
When Indianapolis kicked off the season in Week 1, they were considered a well-coached contender with several talented players and a veteran quarterback that could help lead them to their goals. Those traits eventually manifested for Indy in Week 1. Despite falling behind 20-3, Indy stormed back into the game to finish with a draw. The Colts were led back into the game by the expected players.
The second-half defense was phenomenal and Matt Ryan completed 32-of-50 passes for 352 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Jonathan Taylor added 31 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown, and Michael Pittman Jr. was the leading receiver with nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. The second leading receiver was none other than Nyheim Hines, with six catches for 50 yards.
You don’t have to be a psychic to see that the Week 18 game will play out differently. For starters, another tie is unlikely just because they’re so rare. However, the game will primarily be different because many of Indy’s main contributors won’t be on the field or a factor in the game.
Colts will look like a different team to finish the season
In Week 1, Frank Reich was the head coach, in Week 18, it’ll be Jeff Saturday. In the first game against the Texans, Marcus Brady was the offensive coordinator. In this game, Parks Frazier will be the play caller. Matt Ryan, who threw for 352 yards in the first game will surely be the quarterback, right? Wrong; he’ll be backing up Sam Ehlinger. Jonathan Taylor also won’t be playing as he’s on injured reserve and so is Kenny Moore. Oh, and Nyheim Hines isn’t even on the team.
From a personnel standpoint, so much has changed for the Colts. But even bigger than that, Indy’s reputation has changed. In Week 1, they were a team full of hope that was viewed by outsiders as contenders. Now, Indy has become a joke to the league this season. The players that made Indianapolis promising are even being questioned. The view of the team’s future isn’t as optimistic as it once was. However, that can all change after Week 18. Indy is entering a pivotal offseason and will have the opportunity to get the franchise back on course.
